What is the point of One-Pedal Driving?
One-pedal driving lets you accelerate and brake using a single pedal, using regenerative braking to convert kinetic energy back into stored electrical energy and reduce brake wear, which can extend range in everyday driving.
Understanding the concept
One-pedal driving is a feature in many electric vehicles (EVs) and some plug-in hybrids where the accelerator pedal governs both propulsion and deceleration. When you lift off the pedal, the electric motor acts as a generator, slowing the car and feeding energy back into the battery. The amount of deceleration generated through regen can often be adjusted, allowing drivers to minimize or maximize reliance on the traditional brake pedal.
Key aspects of how it works include:
- Regenerative braking: deceleration is achieved by converting motion into stored electrical energy.
- Adjustable regen levels: drivers can select how aggressively the car slows when the accelerator is released.
- Reduced brake wear: friction brakes engage less when regen handles most deceleration.
- Smoother city driving: in stop-and-go traffic, one-pedal driving can feel more natural and efficient.
While convenient, one-pedal driving isn't a universal replacement for the brake pedal. In some situations—such as rapid deceleration, icy surfaces, or when the battery is near full—friction brakes may still be used, and some cars require a touch of brake pressure to come to a complete stop.
Impact on energy efficiency and driving style
Regenerating energy during deceleration can extend an EV’s range, particularly in urban and mixed-speed driving where frequent slows and stops reuse energy that would otherwise be lost as heat. The effectiveness depends on battery temperature, state of charge, and the regen level chosen by the driver.
What drivers should know about efficiency and feel:
- Higher regen levels yield more energy back to the battery but require more deliberate throttle modulation to slow smoothly.
- Lower regen levels feel more like coasting, which some drivers prefer for highway driving.
- Regeneration is limited by the battery’s state of charge and temperature and may be reduced when the battery is very cold or nearly full.
In practice, many drivers develop a cadence: use the accelerator to slow in moderate situations and reserve the brake pedal for heavier braking or safety-critical stops. The balance aims to maximize energy recovery while maintaining safe and predictable braking performance.
Practical considerations and model differences
Not all vehicles implement one-pedal driving identically. Some brands market it as “one-pedal,” “i-Pedal,” or “B mode,” while others offer multiple regen levels or rely more on friction braking at lower speeds. The exact controls and sensations vary by make, model, and software updates.
Representative examples by model family
Below is a snapshot of how common EVs approach regenerative braking and one-pedal driving. Specifics can vary by year and trim, so always check the latest owner’s manual for exact controls.
- Tesla Model 3 and Model Y: Regen intensity can be adjusted in settings, providing a strong one-pedal feel in higher regen modes.
- Nissan Leaf: Uses a “B” (one-pedal-like) mode to increase regenerative braking when the accelerator is released.
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6: Offer i-Pedal or high-regeneration modes with substantial deceleration when the throttle is lifted.
- Chevrolet Bolt EUV: Regenerative braking with multiple levels; feel varies by software and trim.
- BMW i4 and i3: Regen braking levels that can produce noticeable deceleration without using the brake pedal at moderate speeds.
Across brands, one-pedal driving remains optional. Drivers can switch to conventional braking as needed, and regen performance can ebb and flow with weather, battery temperature, and charge level.
Safety considerations and practical tips
Use one-pedal driving to improve efficiency in appropriate conditions, but stay prepared to brake normally when situation requires it. Practice modulating your foot on the accelerator to achieve smooth deceleration, and keep the brake pedal available for emergencies or when a rapid stop is needed. In winter, regen performance can decline, so expect more reliance on friction braking for control and stability.
New users should start with moderate regen and gradually increase the level as they become comfortable with the pickup and stopping distance. Some vehicles may require a minimal amount of brake pressure to complete a full stop when regen is limited due to battery conditions.
Summary
One-pedal driving centers on using the accelerator as the primary control for speed and deceleration, leveraging regenerative braking to recover energy and reduce brake wear. It can improve efficiency and simplify city driving, but the feature and its feel vary by model and conditions. Drivers should practice, adapt to their vehicle’s regen behavior, and use the brake pedal as needed for safety and full stopping power.
Why is China banning one-pedal driving?
One-pedal drive made city driving almost effortless, blending regenerative braking with acceleration in a way few traditional features can match. But according to Chinese regulators, it might actually slow reaction times in emergencies, which is why the brake pedal must be pressed actively from now on.
What are the disadvantages of one-pedal driving?
No Warning For Other Drivers
One problem with one-pedal driving is the rapid deceleration without brake lights. On a traditional car, when the driver touches the brake pedal, the brake lights come on to alert drivers behind that the car is slowing or stopping.
Why do people use one foot to drive?
We drive with one foot because the two-pedal system (accelerator and brake) is easier and safer, preventing you from accidentally pressing both pedals at once. Historically, this was due to cars having manual transmissions that required the left foot for the clutch, and while modern cars with automatic transmissions have safety features like brake-override systems, the single-foot habit persists due to tradition and to avoid potential confusion.
Reasons for driving with one foot
- Preventing simultaneous pedal use: Using the right foot for both the accelerator and the brake prevents you from accidentally pressing both at the same time, which can cause a loss of control or strain on the vehicle's components.
- Brake-override systems: Modern cars have brake-override technology that automatically cuts engine power if both pedals are pressed simultaneously, but this is a relatively new standard and doesn't change the ingrained habit of one-foot driving for most people.
- Driver training and tradition: The historical need to use the left foot for the clutch in manual cars is the origin of the single-foot driving habit. Even with the prevalence of automatic transmissions, this tradition remains.
- Safety and control: Some argue that using one foot provides better control and allows for smoother stopping, as it is easier to press one pedal with precision.
Driving with two feet
- Legality: It is not illegal to drive with two feet in any U.S. state, but it can be a point of concern for driving instructors.
- Potential for errors: Two-foot driving can increase the risk of confusion and accidents, especially in emergencies, as there is a higher chance of inadvertently pressing both pedals at once.
- Mechanical strain: Using both feet simultaneously in an older car could cause damage to the transmission and brakes, though this is less of a concern in modern vehicles.
- Debate on safety: There is some debate about the safety of two-foot driving, with a few experts and drivers arguing that it can lead to faster reaction times and better control in certain situations, especially in racing.
What are the benefits of one pedal drive?
The main goal of One-Pedal Driving is efficiency and ease. By recapturing more energy when you slow down, you can extend your driving range and reduce brake wear. It also makes stop-start driving less tiring, as you're using a single pedal for most of your control.
